Swift action limits port pellet spill

The incident occurred when the Wind Orca collided with the berthed container ship BG Orange, causing a quayside gantry crane to collapse and releasing plastic pellets, known as nurdles, into the water.

While specialist teams continue to secure the damaged crane and vessel, the port says its rapid response pollution control strategy managed to contain the spill as much as possible.

“Responding to the collision is a multi-faceted and complex salvage operation which cannot be hurried. Safety and the welfare of everyone working on the site is and must remain our priority,” said a port spokesperson.

“Our response plan to the pellet spill was activated immediately we became aware of it. It involves a number of actions, including helping contain any further spill of pellets and getting boats out on the river as a matter of urgency to clear pellets from the water.”

Fully prepared

In a testament to the preparedness of the port, it implemented its emergency response plan as soon as it became aware of the spill, deploying a floating boom around the BG Orange to prevent further releases and sending several boats onto the river to recover pellets from the water.

Damaged containers were also secured to reduce the risk of additional losses.

Some pellets have washed ashore on nearby beaches, although the non-toxic material is considered to present a very low public health risk.

The Port of Tyne said it is working with local authorities and partner agencies through the formal multi-agency Recovery Coordinating Group to manage both the salvage operation and the plastic pollution incident.

The port said it continues to work with customers to minimise operational disruption while progressing recovery efforts alongside local organisations and emergency agencies.